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Tune in and get turned on to the world of tiger beetles! Dr. Biology chats with biologist David Pearson about these colorful sprinters that are not only fun to watch but also important “bioindicators” that help scientists understand the health of habitats. You’ll discover how tiger beetles inspire new designs through biomimicry, and why these tiny speedsters now have their very own celebration—World Tiger Beetle Day, November 11.  If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Why do peanuts, pollen, or pet dander make some of us sneeze or swell up—but not others? In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with immunologist Esther Borges Florsheim from Arizona State University to explore how allergies start, why they’re becoming more common, and what’s really going on when your immune system sounds the alarm. From sniffles to “no peanuts, please,” get ready to learn how your body protects you—and sometimes overreacts—in surprising ways! Read more: Toxic Response Immune system comic book: Viral Attack Read more: PLOSable science stories If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Coral reefs may look like colorful rocks, but they’re actually animals living in partnership with tiny plant cells. This remarkable symbiosis powers entire ocean ecosystems. In this episode, Dr. Biology chats with Professor Liza Roger, whose Arizona State University lab is home to corals, sea anemones, and even upside-down jellyfish. Together, they uncover the secrets of coral “superpowers,” the causes of bleaching, and how nanoscale medicines might help reefs fight stress. From the desert to the ocean, Roger’s research reveals creative ways to give corals a checkup—and maybe even a healthier future.   Learn more: Coral bleaching video If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

On this podcast, we like to explore how science meets the public. In this episode, we examine the art of communication, with biologist, author, and filmmaker Randy Olson. Dr. Biology learns how Olson uses humor and creativity as powerful tools. Inspired by platforms like The Daily Show, Randy's film "Sizzle" tackles global warming with a comedic flair. Listen as he shares invaluable advice for aspiring biologists and filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of passion and motivation. Whether you’re curious about effective science communication or seeking inspiration for your career, Randy’s insights offer a compelling glimpse into the future of storytelling in science. This episode was pulled from our special collections stored in our secret vault. Learn more: Watch: Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy Read: Don't Be Such a Scientist Narrative Gym  If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Can storytelling transform biology research? Join us for an engaging conversation with Kayla Burgher and Risa Schnebly, two visionary PhD students at Arizona State University. Kayla shares her research in the fishing community to protect endangered marine megafauna like sea turtles and sharks. Meanwhile, Risa delves into the emotional side of conservation and the impact of extinction. Through an interdisciplinary approach, she combines history, personal narratives, and interviews to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of conservation. We also talk about their exciting new podcast, SciChronicles, which showcases the stories of scientists at various points in their careers. Check out SciChronicles If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Can a transformed 4-acre former citrus orchard become a vibrant urban wildlife sanctuary? Dr. Biology is out of the studio to explore Julie Stromberg's remarkable riparian garden. Julie, a plant ecologist and emeritus professor at Arizona State University, shares her motivations and the vital ecological benefits of creating such green spaces in urban areas. Hear the story behind her efforts in sustainable agriculture that are preserving biodiversity right in the heart of the city. Read more: Bringing Home the Wild: A Riparian Garden in a Southwest City If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

What happens when our brain fails us? As Dr. Biology, my work has never been involved with diseases that affect the mind, but I do have a personal experience with the shadowy realm of Alzheimer's and other dementias. My mother battled against this relentless adversary and I am not alone.  Many people are dealing with loved ones facing one of these diseases. For this episode, I've invited bioinformatics scientist, Kimberly Olney from the Mayo Clinic, to peek into the complexities of the brain and these diseases. This episode is a brief voyage into the brain's amazing and complex pathways and a glimpse of the work being done by dedicated scientists charting a course for a future free from dementia. Learn more about the brain: A Nervous Journey Class and home activity: Nerve Experiment Dementia resources for adults: The 36-hour Day Parent's Guide: Helping Children and Teens Understand Helping Children Understand Alzheimer's Disease Dementia resources for children: Books that help younger children understand dementia If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Embark on a journey through the intricate dance of nature and innovation as we welcome Saad Bhamla, a scientist at the forefront of biological engineering. Your curiosity will be rewarded as you and Dr. Biology learn about some of the smallest organisms that have sophisticated mechanisms that might help us solve our own challenges. Imagine the immense power hidden within a cicada's waste jet or the swift knot-escaping antics of a California blackworm—some might think of them as quirks of evolution, but others see them as blueprints for the future of design and technology. Our conversation doesn't stop at scientific marvels; it delves into the heart of what drives this scientist's passion and has led to the creation of The Curious Zoo of Extraordinary Organisms. Visit: The Curious Zoo of Extraordinary Organisms Learn more: True Bugs If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Embark on a journey through the buzzing world of grasshoppers and locusts with Dr. Biology. In this episode, biologists Rick Overson and Mira Word Ries, from the Global Locust Initiative at Arizona State University dig into the world of these insects. The three delve into the methods of swarm prevention, from the intriguing "doughnut diet" that influences migratory behavior to the critical role of soil and crop management in making fields less welcoming to these insects. Rick and Mira bring to light the importance of global cooperation and the need for a unified attack against locust invasions that spare no border. Visit: HopperWiki Listen to: Swarm Science Read more: On the Lookout for Locusts If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Have you ever wondered how complex science jargon is translated into a story that captivates and educates? We've got you covered! Dr. Biology chats with James Gorman, a veteran science reporter from the New York Times, we peel back the layers of science communication, revealing how to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives. Get ready to discover the tightrope walk between simplification and scientific accuracy—a balance crucial for sparking curiosity without sacrificing the research's core. The two also talk about the best way to evaluate the trustworthiness of a science story. Image: James Gorman with a wolf pup. Read more: About James Gorman Read more: The Total Penguin Learn More: Who Do You Trust? Watch: ScienceTake If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Dive into the behavior and physiology of two different primate species that are helping biologists explore the science of stress, aging, and immunity. Dr. Biology sits down with scientist Noah Snyder-Mackler from Arizona State University to talk about some rhesus macaques living in a seemly tropical paradise and the geladas that live high in the Ethiopian mountains. Discover how these monkeys, their experiences, and their environment might illuminate the path to improving our physiological resilience. Hear more about stress: Stressed Out | podcast Read about stress: Why can some monkeys live high in the mountains? Watch: 60 Minutes story on Monkey Island If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

In a world where animals, humans, and the environment are forever linked, the health of wildlife is a cornerstone for the well-being of all. In this episode, we embark on an extraordinary journey with Sara Wyckoff, a wildlife veterinarian from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and a proud ASU alumna. Listen in and learn about her story and evolution from a hopeful wildlife biologist to a passionate wildlife veterinarian, underscoring the perseverance and dedication required to merge a love for the wild with the rigors of veterinary science. Learn more: One Health Initiative If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Robert Page's journey is as captivating as the creatures he studies. From his early fascination with entomology to his experiences while in the military and his parallel passion for photography, his journey is a rich tapestry of experiences. We chat about the contributions he has made to our understanding of honeybees and his books including his newest book The Art of The Bee. Tune in and join us in celebrating the incredible role these insects play in our ecosystem and the biologist who has dedicated his life to studying them. Read more: Art of the Bee Learn more: Online course on honeybees If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Have you ever wondered how evolution operates at a cellular level? Dr. Biology has a conversation with evolutionary biologist William Ratcliff in an episode that investigates the process of how single-cell mutations can make the leap to coordinated groups of cells and ultimately to complex multicellular organisms. And we are learning all of this from a simple selection experiment involving yeast. Listen in and learn more about this long-running experiment that is giving us an idea of how single cells made the leap to multicell organisms. Visit: Ratcliff Lab Experiment: Snowflake yeast kit If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.

Imagine a world where animals have the capacity to show their natural behaviors and even engineer their own environments. For this episode, we're thrilled to have Danielle Wong, the Behavioral Enrichment and Animal Welfare Coordinator at the Phoenix Zoo, who enlightens us about the importance of animal enrichment. From Chutti, the playful one-horn rhino, to Cape porcupines and birds, we're taking a deep look into how play promotes skill development, physical fitness, and stress relief among animals. Danielle also shares how zoos work together to create enriching activities and environments for animals, making this a must-listen for all zoo animal enthusiasts. Image: Danielle Wong with Chutti the one-horn rhino playing in the background. Visit the Phoenix Zoo If you have not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you can be notified about new episodes.